a trace of unease

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trace of unease" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a slight feeling of discomfort or anxiety in a situation or person. Example: "As she entered the room, she felt a trace of unease wash over her, sensing that something was not quite right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

She offers it without a trace of unease, and I can't decide whether the grace of what I'm sure is a deceit is really quite impressive, or offputting.

The Guardian

He moves through the Paris streets (photographed with exhilarating clarity by Henri Decaë) confidently but a little anxiously, a trace of unease betrayed by an odd scurrying half-run he breaks into from time to time, as if he he'd suddenly remembered that someone was chasing him.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But there seemed just the faintest trace of unease in his lordship as the PM banged on about Britain's "great brand".

The Guardian - Sport

"She was in love with me, and I'm not just white," Felton said, his voice bearing a trace of male pride mixed with a lingering unease over interracial love, even his own.

The New York Times - Magazine

Not a trace of mud.

Independent

A trace of cushion.

The Guardian - Film

Without a trace of a smile, Mlle.

The New York Times

A trace of mineral smoke rises.

The New York Times

There was a trace of woodworm damage.

The New Yorker

They're poetic, a trace of a trace".

The Guardian - Arts

A trace of an accent, perhaps.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a trace of unease", ensure the context clearly establishes the reason for the discomfort, even if subtly. This adds depth and credibility to the description.

Common error

Avoid using "a trace of unease" when a stronger emotion is more appropriate. This phrase signifies a subtle feeling, and exaggerating its usage can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trace of unease" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a verb or the subject complement, describing a subtle feeling of discomfort or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms the usability of the phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a trace of unease" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a slight feeling of discomfort or anxiety. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for written English and is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While the phrase is relatively uncommon, its effective use lies in its ability to convey subtle emotional nuances. Alternatives such as "a hint of anxiety" or "a touch of disquiet" offer similar shades of meaning. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context provides enough information to understand the source of the unease, maintaining a balanced and nuanced description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of anxiety

Focuses on the anxiety component, suggesting a slight worry or apprehension rather than general discomfort.

a touch of disquiet

Emphasizes a feeling of restlessness and slight anxiety about something.

a shade of apprehension

Highlights the anticipatory anxiety or fear component.

a whisper of concern

Focuses on worry and concern, implying a very subtle expression of it.

a glimmer of anxiety

Like a 'hint', it emphasizes the slight, almost imperceptible nature of anxiety.

a soupçon of unease

Uses a French loanword to convey a delicate and understated sense of unease.

a flicker of worry

Implies a brief and unstable moment of worry.

a suspicion of nervousness

Highlights the element of nervousness and suggests it might be slightly doubted or unconfirmed.

a shadow of doubt

Emphasizes the uncertainty and lack of conviction, linked to a feeling of unease.

a tinge of trepidation

Trepidation suggests a stronger sense of fear or hesitation than simple unease.

FAQs

How can I use "a trace of unease" in a sentence?

You can use "a trace of unease" to describe a subtle feeling of discomfort or anxiety. For example, "As she entered the room, she felt "a trace of unease" wash over her."

What can I say instead of "a trace of unease"?

You can use alternatives like "a hint of anxiety", "a touch of disquiet", or "a shade of apprehension" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a trace of unease"?

Yes, the phrase ""a trace of unease"" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe a slight feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

What's the difference between "a trace of unease" and "a sense of unease"?

"A trace of unease" implies a very slight or subtle feeling, while "a sense of unease" suggests a more noticeable and defined feeling of discomfort or anxiety.